Where to Stay During Melbourne Cup

September 15, 2016

By Alex Greig - Online Writer

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Saddle up for the Melbourne Cup and book one of the city’s plethora of great hotels before November.

The five-star hotel

Upon entering the flower-scented foyer of the Langham Hotel, a feeling of calm descends. It might be the fragrant air, it could be the satisfying sound of heels on marble floors or maybe it’s the swish of the water feature running through reception. This is a classic luxury hotel with elegant rooms, personalised service and a prime location. Rooms range from a Grand River Room with a king-size bed and river views right up to The Apartment with a full kitchen and two bedrooms or the Presidential Suite with its glittering city views and palatial living area. All rooms have an iron and ironing board so guests can ensure their race-wear is pristine, as well as robes, slippers, MP3 dock and iPads. Before the races, have a relaxing massage at the Chuan Spa or partake of an in-room afternoon tea for two. Trains and trams depart from just across the river, and the arts precinct is at the doorstep. Book now

1 Southgate Ave, Southbank

The boutique hotel

The first Melbourne iteration of Sydney’s eccentric boutique offering the QT just opened on September 5. The 188-room hotel is located on Russell Street in a brand-new building designed by Angelo Candalepas. Taking as their inspiration the rag traders of the early 20th century in nearby Flinders Lane, designer Nic Graham and architect Shelley Indyk have created an industrial-chic interior. There are exciting new bars and restaurants on-site including the Euro-tinged Pascale Bar & Grill and the hip Hot Sauce laneway bar that serves up Korean and Japanese inspired snacks. Book now

133 Russell Street, Melbourne

The apartment-style hotel

The Lyall Hotel gives guests room to move. It’s a little further away from Flemington than the other two hotels, but the distance becomes immaterial when you enter on of the Lyall’s 40 suites, which range from one and two-bedroom Deluxe Suites right through to the Platinum Suite which has a kitchen, two bedrooms, three bathrooms, two fireplaces and an outdoor terrace. These rooms work perfectly for a group of friends or a pair of couples travelling together. A number of trams can take racing fans to Flemington, and when you’re not barracking at the races, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Chapel Street are within walking distance. The hotel also has luxuries such as a pillow menu, 24-hour room service and the Lyall Spa, where experts can provide everything from professional make-up to hydrotherapy. Book now